Top 5 Foods

Hiii my dearest readers!!! The festive season in the UK is a magical time of the year, filled with sparkling lights, busy streets, and of course delicious food. For international students experiencing a British Christmas for the first time, the traditions may seem a little different but are well worth exploring. Here are the top 5 British festive foods you should try (came all the way from other countries to do what? EAT!):

1. Christmas pudding

A British dessert - rich and dense fruit cake made with dried fruits, spices, and suet. Often steamed for hours, it’s traditionally served with a drizzle of brandy sauce or custard. Apparently, it’s a tradition to set it on fire before serving thanks to the brandy, so don’t be surprised by that! (personally, never seen that but I think I’m good)

2. Mince pies

Guys, imagine my horror when I first came to the UK and saw these mince pies. I thought people have finally lost it. These small, sweet pies are filled with "mincemeat", a mix of dried fruits, spices, and sometimes a splash of rum (there’s no actual meat involved, don’t as me why they came up with this name). Mince pies are a staple during the festive period and are perfect with a cup of tea or mulled wine.

3. Roast turkey and sides

The show, the centrepiece, the star, the beauty, the main course of a British Christmas dinner is usually a roast turkey (or chicken) served with other delicious side dishes. You can expect roasted potatoes, brussels sprouts, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and don’t skip the gravy! Each component adds a unique flavour to this hearty meal.

4. Pigs in blankets

This is part of the whole roast turkey dinner, however, in my opinion needed its own spotlight, therefore a separate point. It’s literally sausages wrapped in bacon, but something about it is sooo good I just can’t stop thinking about it.

5. Yorkshire pudding

While traditionally part of a Sunday roast, Yorkshire puddings often make an appearance during Christmas (as they should - prove me wrong). These fluffy, crispy, and savoury pastries are perfect for soaking up gravy and are always a favourite. They’re literally good for any roast meat.

I hope you get to try all of these this Christmas, so you can get the full British Christmas experience. Go and make that shopping list, so you can explore the British culture, and invite some of your other international friends who would love to try it! Happy holidays friends!